George Beurling--if looks could KILL!

[Martin Bull]

I can sense a tension in this thread which I certainly did not wish to initiate.

I'd just like to add that there is a most interesting description of Beurling in Laddie Lucas' book 'Malta - The Thorn In Rommel's Side' (Stanley Paul, 1992) in which Lucas is very frank about Beurling's initial weaknesses and subsequent strengths. An entire chapter is devoted to him and is entitled 'Pure Genius'.

[NickM]

Guys:

Yes, in 'Spitefires over Malta', in an early flight around Malta, Beurling decided to do suddenly engage in aerobatics--the rest of the flight thought he was taking evasive action & scattered; the flight leader, needless to say was furious---another flying officer ('Laddie' Lucas?) spoke to him & stressed the need for 'teamwork'; Beurling just replied 'sure, Boss' & the matter was closed--reportedly no one in the Malta squadrons had a problem with him again---
And even when he's smiling his eyes still look scary;

NickM

[Brian]

Hi guys

I have been following your discusson on Beurling with great interest, having written about him at some length in 'Spitfires over Malta' - in fact my co-author Frederick Galea and I are contemplating writing a book about him and his exploits (if there's room for another?!). At this point in time, all I would offer is that undoubtedly Beurling was a great natural marksman in the air and on the ground and probably shot down some 25 (substantiated) of his 32 victims, if not more. Few aces' records could stand such scrutiny, in my humble opinion. A note for Nick de Carteret and others - Clostermann's account of meeting Beurling at Catfoss Gunnery School in July 1944 is not correct - Beurling was back in Canada by then and was out of the RCAF!

Regarding Beurling's death at Rome - recent enqueries with the Italian Police suggest that records of the crash incident are no longer available, but Frederick has been given to understand that the initial reports were sketchy and non-conclusive. My own belief, for what it's worth, is that sabotage was a possibility (see my conclusions in 'Spitfires over Israel'). Others disagree.

NickM, to get back to your original point - yes, when I first saw that picture of Beuring I knew I had to use it. As you suggest, the eyes say it all!

Carry on the discussion - its great.

Cheers
Brian

[nick de carteret]

Originally Posted by Brian

A note for Nick de Carteret and others - Clostermann's account of meeting Beurling at Catfoss Gunnery School in July 1944 is not correct - Beurling was back in Canada by then and was out of the RCAF!

Hi Brian....was this simply Closterman telling porkies again?? Did he have an axe to grind?

[Brian]

Hi Nick

Nice to meet you! It's a shame about Clostermann, isn't it? Why he didn't stick to telling his own story - which was certainly something to be proud off - a dozen kills or so, two DFCs (no DSO!) and a masterly way of catching the readers' attention, I just don't know. I didn't have any contact with him and he lost credibilty when I first studied the various squadrons ORBs many moons ago. He is just not recorded as having flown on as many of the sorties which he claimed in his book. Others took his record to pieces, it was not something in which I was interested in doing.

However, there is no excuse for much of what he wrote in 'Flames in the Sky' - not only the alleged meeting with Beurling, and the piece about Admirals Ugaki and Fukada (Chapter Nine) piloting Ohka flying bombs on suicide missions is not true, either. I've said my piece.

Cheers
Brian

[nick de carteret]

Originally Posted by Brian

Hi Nick,Nice to meet you!

Ditto Brian

The photo in this link looks contrived also. http://www.leisuregalleries.com/mmclasterman.jpg
Closterman appears to be wearing a DSO look alike of some sort and I don't believe he was ever awarded the US Distinquished Service Cross (second only to the Medal Of Honor) that he is pictured with here and the number of palm leaves on the Croix de Guerre seems to grossly exceed the nineteen that he reputably was awarded.

[Brian]

Wow!

I haven't seen this picture before - doesn't leave much room for the kitchen sink, does it?!! I don't mean to sound derogatory, but take away his good looks and he could be mistaken for a Russian general! Sorry, only joking in case anyone is about to take offence. I didn't have that many badges when I was in the Boy Scouts!

Let's hope that someone can properly identify and certify the awards indicated, and I will certainly eat humble pie!

Anon

[nick de carteret]

Brian, it is certified that he was never awarded the British DSO as you said or the American DSC...I believe he may have legitimately won the US Silver Star, a lower award than the DSC.

[Brian]

Hi Nick - I think its about time one or two of our French experts stepped in, don't you? So I've headed this Clostermann rather than Beurling.

I know very little about medals and even less about Clostermann's postwar career. Did he remain in the air force? Could some of those be postwar awards? It looks to me as though there are a couple of Russian medals included. Any ideas? Was Clostermann commissioned into the RAF or did he just wear honourary insginia? I believe I have seen a photo with squadron leaders tags but that would have necessary
made him a a sqn ldr, perhaps acting sqn ldr or acting flight lieutenant.

Come on Laurent, Joss and others - have your say!

Cheers
Brian

[nick de carteret]

I'm guessing the subject may be a little too sensitive at this time.